BBC SPORT | Other Sport... | Horse Racing | Grand National runners and riders 2 P/411P-1 EUROTREK 11-11-08 Liam Heard Paul Nicholls Kept fresh since beating several of his National rivals in the Becher Chase over the National fences in November. Handicapper was watching, and his weight is a minus. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 3 243-53420 L'AMI 8-11-08 Tony McCoy Francois Doumen Eleven-times champion jockey has endured dreadful luck in the race. Although L'Ami is consistent, McCoy may have to wait another year to break his duck. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 4 2643-344 MONKERHOSTIN 10-11-06 Richard Johnson Philip Hobbs Has class as illustrated by second in 2005 King George, and fourth in this year's Gold Cup. This is a different test, however.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 5 14/3F-2520 THISTHATANDTOTHER 11-11-05 Jamie Moore Paul Nicholls Don't be put off by the fact he specialises over much shorter distances as champion trainer believes he could run well if he finds his rhythm. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 6 410U-513 BILLYVODDAN 8-11-04 Leighton Aspell Henry Daly Put in career-best run when third to Taranis in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham. A popular choice with tipsters. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 7 B4431-404 NUMBERSIXVALVERDE 11-11-03 Niall Madden Martin Brassil IRE Tipped in this very guide last year, and duly obliged under a masterful ride from jockey nicknamed 'Slippers'. More weight now, but respected.

Rating: 8/10 Odds: 14-1 8 324-26UU IDLE TALK 8-11-02 Jason Maguire Donald McCain Jr Trained by the son of Red Rum's trainer Ginger McCain. Unseated his rider on last two rides, although rather unfortunately in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 9 F00-65036 ROYAL AUCLAIR 10-11-01 Joe Tizzard Paul Nicholls Second to Hedgehunter under a big weight in 2005. Same owner as Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star. Will relish the likely fast ground. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 40-1 10 3/-0FP10F CLOUDY BAYS 10-11-00 Andrew McNamara Charles Byrnes IRE One of my colleagues dreamt he saw the National result and a horse with Bays in the name was the winner. The same trick worked for him with Miinnehoma in 1994.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 11 1F22300 KNOWHERE 9-10-13 Tom Doyle Nigel Twiston-Davies A highly-rated youngster, has lost his way a little since. Trainer won with Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002). Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 12 06-10302P2 KELAMI 9-10-12 Mick Fitzgerald Francois Doumen Capable of running well for master French trainer. Could be last race before retirement for jockey, who famously said winning the 1996 National on Rough Quest was "better than sex." Rating: 7/10 Odds: 33-1 13 1-P04B133 POINT BARROW 9-10-12 Philip Carberry Pat Hughes IRE Boasts very similar profile to recent National winners from Ireland. Jockey won Champion Hurdle on Sublimity. His brother Paul rides Dun Doire.

Rating: 8/10 Odds: 10-1 14 124420-P CELTIC SON 8-10-11 Timmy Murphy David Pipe Looked useful two years ago when winning five races in five weeks. Disappointing last time for son of legendary former champion trainer Martin Pipe. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 15 11-52611 SIMON 8-10-11 Andrew Thornton John Spearing Owned and bred by 87-year-old Mercy Rimell, widow of Fred, who trained four National winners. This is not so simple for Simon. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 16 U20P5P0 BALLYCASSIDY 11-10-09 Denis O'Regan Peter Bowen Bold front-runner who was leading the field when falling on the second circuit last year. One for each-way punters to consider.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 17 313-6FP CLAN ROYAL 11-10-09 J T McNamara Jonjo O'Neill Second in 2004; travelling ominously well when carried out by a loose horse a year later, and third last season. Loves the course, but has his chance gone? Rating: 7/10 Odds: 25-1 18 1125-130 GALLANT APPROACH 8-10-09 Jimmy McCarthy Charlie Egerton Lightly raced, with three victories from eight contests. May stay the trip but this is a major step up on what he has achieved. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1 19 50442250 LIVINGSTONE BRAMBLE 11-10-09 Davy Russell Willie Mullins IRE Not the best hope of the four runners for trainer who won the race in 2005 with Hedgehunter.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1 20 110-0F251 DUN DOIRE 8-10-08 Paul Carberry Tony Martin IRE Laid out for this race and leading claims for jockey, who won the 1999 National on Bobbyjo, and ultra-shrewd trainer. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 12-1 21 0410-010 KANDJAR D'ALLIER 9-10-08 Robert Thornton Alan King A big price for a decent horse who has an in-form trainer and the top jockey from this year's Cheltenham Festival. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 40-1 22 2-33P3F5 SLIM PICKINGS 8-10-08 Barry Geraghty Tom Taaffe Has been backed down from 100-1 by punters looking for rich pickings. Jockey won 2003 National on Monty's Pass. Trainer respected - his father Pat rode the legendary Arkle.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 33-1 Needs to regain the winning habit. However, is likely to relish drying ground conditions. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 24 236P-420 BEWLEYS BERRY 9-10-07 Paddy Brennan Howard Johnson Second to Eurotrek in the Becher Chase over the National fences in March. Trip and ground look to be in his favour. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 25 P146/0-1 LONGSHANKS 10-10-07 Tony Dobbin Kim Bailey Horse went to equine spa after bruising foot. Bless! Trainer won 1990 National with Mr Frisk; jockey took 1997 race on Lord Gyllene. Ticks in the right boxes. Rating: 9/10 Odds: 25-1 26 5155UP BOTHAR NA 10-10-07 David Casey Willie Mullins IRE Rated by Mullins as his best National prospect this year alongside Hedgehunter.

He has the credentials to be involved. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 27 2163-53U GRAPHIC APPROACH 10-10-07 Paul Moloney Charlie Egerton Not to be confused with Gallant Approach. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 28 2163-53U HOMER WELLS 9-10-06 David Condon Willie Mullins IRE Homer Wells was on the verge of being pulled out because of drying conditions - trainer decided to run him anyway. Not the most fancied of his four. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 29 U5014-400 LIBERTHINE 9-10-06 Sam Waley-Cohen Nicky Henderson All the hallmarks of a National story. Amateur jockey, who rides well around Aintree. Mare won another race over the National fences last year.

Rating: 8/10 Odds: 25-1 30 /4PPF-0242 SILVER BIRCH 10-10-06 Robbie Power Gordon Elliott IRE Former Welsh National winner when trained by Paul Nicholls. Coming back to form and vibes in Ireland are positive. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 25-1 31 BP21P6-0 PHILSON RUN 10-10-06 Daryl Jacob Nick Williams Tipped by the BBC 606 user Roselier, a respected judge of breeding. The horse might stay, but is he good enough? Rating: 8/10 Odds: 50-1 32 0/60-5520P PUNTAL 10-10-06 Tom Scudamore David Pipe Sixth in the National last year and boasts some decent form in the past. No forlorn hope.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 33 3-41R21PP THE OUTLIER 10-10-06 Paul O'Neill Venetia Williams Pulled up on last two starts, and would appear to prefer softer going. Difficult to recommend. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1 Does not appear to be the stable's first choice on jockey bookings. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 35 U2-41061 MCKELVEY 8-10-04 Peter Bowen Tom O'Brien The choice of some learned tipsters. Talented young jockey is likely to be one of the best riders around in years to come. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 36 U2-41061 NAUNTON BROOK 8-10-04 Noel Fehily Nigel Twiston-Davies If you're really stuck and looking for a long shot, this one could fit the bill. Under-rated.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 37 U2-41061 JACK HIGH 8-10-04 Richard McGrath Ted Walsh IRE Outstanding claims based on his close second to Numbersixvalverde in the 2005 Irish National. Has a stone in hand on that rival here. Trainer won 2000 National with Papillon, ridden by his son Ruby. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 25-1 38 11PP0-5120 SONEVAFUSHI 9-10-03 Tom Greenall Venetia Williams Sometimes you just have to say a horse is not good enough to win. He isn't good enough to win. Rating: 4/10 Odds: 100-1 39 4006-001 JOES EDGE 9-10-03 Graham Lee Ferdy Murphy Was in our four choices last year, but came seventh. Ground conditions more suitable this time. Backed down from 50-1 after winning at Cheltenham.

Rating: 8/10 Odds: 8-1 40 2UU-0043 LE DUC 8-10-02 Dominic Elsworth Paul Nicholls Has run well at Aintree before and good third at Cheltenham last month. Others are preferred. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 BBC SPORT | Other sport... | Horse Racing | Silver Birch wins Grand National Silver Birch had the strength to hold on in the final stages GRAND NATIONAL RESULT: 1 Silver Birch (R M Power) 33-1 2 McKelvey (T J O'Brien) 12-1 3 Slim Pickings (B J Geraghty) 33-1 4 Philson Run (D Jacob) 100-1 Silver Birch, a 33-1 shot, held on down the finishing straight to become the sixth Irish-trained winner of the Grand National in the last nine years. Robbie Power's mount overtook Slim Pickings over the final fence and then resisted a late charge from McKelvey to win by three-quarters of a length. Long-time leader Slim Pickings was third, with Philson Run fourth.

None of the favourites featured, with Point Barrow not even making it past the first fence at Aintree. Silver Birch, trained by Gordon Elliott, jumped superbly and jockey Power was understandably delighted. "It is an unreal feeling, a dream come true," he said. I haven't had my licence for 12 months yet - we are going to enjoy tonight Winning trainer Gordon Elliott "You won't see better than this. Fair play to trainer Gordon Elliott, he has done some job to get this horse ready. "The last furlong was the longest I have ever ridden! "I thought I might have gone a bit too soon but he was an easy ride. Every time he saw a big fence he just pricked his ears back and took it on." Elliott is in his first year as a trainer and admitted "this means a lot". "We are a young chain, I haven't had my licence for 12 months yet, so hopefully we can get going a bit. We are going to enjoy tonight," he added. "It was a brilliant race. Silver Birch has been improving all the time and jumped like a buck." The race took an age to get under way, with a false start and numerous re-sets before they were finally off and running.

Cloudy Bays, who eventually pulled up at The Chair, missed the start by a good dozen lengths but the rest were away as a group. The grey The Outlier settled into the early lead but by the Canal Turn rank outsider Naunton Brook had hit the front with Ballycassidy in second and Bewleys Berry in third. 606: DEBATE I picked Silver Birch late last night as one of my four National horses ST They continued to lead the way over Valentines and remained at the head of the field for the rest of the first circuit. As the race moved past two-thirds distance Slim Pickings, Liberthine and Simon all came into contention and by the third last there were eight horses in with a shout. Slim Pickings led the pack over the penultimate fence, with Silver Birch a couple of lengths back, and approaching the last they pulled clear of the rest. Both horses were travelling well but Silver Birch met the last better than his rival and landed in the lead. As they approached The Elbow, Power's mount pulled a couple of lengths clear, with the fast-finishing McKelvey starting to get into contention.

Silver Birch began to run out of steam but had enough strength to hold on for victory, with McKelvey taking Slim Pickings for second with the post in sight. Monkerhostin was the racecourse gamble and was backed down to 8-1 from 25-1 on the day but refused at the Foinavon Fence first time round. He went off co-favourite with Point Barrow, who was the first to fall, and Joes Edge, who pulled up at the 20th. Bookmark with: Pineau De Re wins Grand National 2014 – as it happened | Sport | The Guardian Pineau De Re wins Grand National 2014 – as it happened Saturday 5 April 2014 11.47 EDT First published on Saturday 5 April 2014 06.00 EDT 4.47pm BST And that's that Phew. That's this blog done for the afternoon. In the meantime, our report of the race is now live - keep following the site for more comment and analysis. Thanks for following, and enjoy your winnings if you got lucky. Bye.

4.44pm BST Big race report… … from the Press Association: Pineau De Re claimed Crabbie's Grand National glory at Aintree for trainer Dr Richard Newland and jockey Leighton Aspell. The 11-year-old was a 25-1 shot after finishing third in the Pertemps Final over hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival and moved into the race travelling powerfully. He jumped the final fence in a clear lead and his pursuers never looked like bridging the gap as he galloped all the way to the line to secure a momentous five-length victory. Balthazar King ran a fine race to finish second, ahead of champion jockey Tony McCoy aboard Double Seven. Alvarado stayed on from a long way back to finish fourth. Aspell, who at one stage had retired from riding, said: "It's a wonderful day, this is what we do it for. "I've been watching the National since I was a very young boy. As much as you enjoy sharing everyone's success, you crave a bit too.

To get a chance to ride in the National is a great thing, and to get on one with a chance is even better." Aspell went on: "I was very conscious that I didn't want to be in front too soon over four and a half miles. "He's a small horse, so he finds jumping hard enough. "When I got a bit of daylight I knew I'd be fine because that was my only worry, a lack of daylight. "Once he was in daylight he really enjoyed that part of the race." 4.41pm BST Post-race thoughts It's a great moment for Pineau De Re's owner, John Provan, who beams to Channel 4: "We love taking on the big guys, we've come here up against Paul Nicholls and all the big triainers and jockeys and today we couldn't have asked for more from Leighton Aspell." Beside Provan, the National winner's trainer, the GP Dr Richard Newland, says: "For us to have a National runner was a dream, to have a winner is pretty unthinkable really." And it's confirmed that all the horses are back safe and well.

4.36pm BST More race stats 40 set out, 18 completed the race. Once again, the old cliche that the National is a lottery has a kernel of truth in it. Leighton Aspell, looking relaxed and more than a little humble (or is it slightly pleasantly startled), poses for photos with his kids. 4.33pm BST Early indications are that all the horses are OK. 4.31pm BST Well done Pineau De Re Leighton Aspell, who retired from racing in 2007 and then comes back, has ridden the National winner at 25-1. An emphatic, and awesome triumph this, as so many of the fancied horses failed badly. The result: But without Battle Group, who has refused 4.17pm BST False start Battle Group stalls at the start, causing a slight delay, and then away they go, before the flag is waved. Boos ring out - we're all going to have to wait a few minutes. But Battle Group's jitters prompted the rest to set off prematurely, and they've all been called back. A tense atmosphere gets tenser.

4.12pm BST Final betting As the horses parade to the start, Teaforthree is outright favourite again at 10-1, Double Seven back a little to 11-1, Long Run 3rd fav at 12-1 4.05pm BST And here they come The jockeys make their way out, and assemble for their group photo. Smiles looking inevitably somewhat forced, with just 14 minutes to go until the off. Clare Balding makes a hurried enquiry of Paul Carberry's condition after his fall yesterday. "Good," replies the jockey, and shuffles off. The Guardian's Chris Cook at the course gets a close-up look at the horses: "Kruzhlinin also wearing a blue headband. Must be a Donald McCain thing. Ear plugs for Last Time D'Albain". And now, the national anthem, with two whole verses, but not the one about the nasty Scots. 3.58pm BST 3.51pm BST Latest betting But anyway… Afternoon all, and the big-race tension is properly building now.

Time for some latest betting, with Double Seven backed in to joint favourite with Teaforthree now: Teaforthree 10-1 3.46pm BST That winners' pram picture, then Barry Geraghty is rewarded for his success on board Whisper in the Silver Cross Stayers' Hurdle with a bottle of champagne and a pram from the sponsors. Don't use these products at the same time kids (and parents) Photograph: Healy Racing/racingfotos.com/REX Bugaboo'll be sponsoring a race next year, I shouldn't wonder. 3.40pm BST Goodbye and good luck . . . I'm handing over the reins to Tom Davies who has a rather interesting picture of Barry Geraghty and a pram ... 3.35pm BST What those closest to the National runners think (final part) THE PACKAGE David Pipe, trainer "I think he's got a great chance and the signs are good. Once he warms to the fences I think he'll be fine." RAZ DE MAREE Dessie Hughes, trainer "I've had Aintree in mind or him since last year. It was a good run the last day in Down Royal.

He's going to be ready for it." ROSE OF THE MOON David O'Meara, trainer "He jumped well round Aintree in the Becher Chase, he's sneaked in at the bottom of the handicap and stays well." SHAKALAKABOOMBOOM Nicky Henderson, trainer "Shaka wants good ground but he's probably not going to get it. He finished his work on Monday morning and all went well." ALVARADO Fergal O'Brien, trainer "He's a high cruising speed, but, at the same time, he is just as likely to make a bad mistake at the second fence as get round and win." LAST TIME D'ALBAIN Liam Cusack, trainer "We're a bit in the dark when it comes to the distance but so are a lot of other horses in the race. We're hopeful the trip will suit." ONE IN A MILAN Adam Wedge, jockey "His Welsh National form was obviously very good and that might be him when he's at his best. Hopefully they get plenty of rain.

The visor might also sharpen him up." SWING BILL David Pipe, trainer "He's not getting any younger but you can't knock him and getting round is half the battle. The drier the ground the better for him." 3.33pm BST 3.25 Betfred TV Handicap Chase 1 Duke Of Lucca (R Johnson) 12-1 2 Vino Griego (J E Moore) 25-1 3 Gullinbursti (N Fehily) 10-1 4 Kian's Delight (B Hughes) 14-1 3.30pm BST What those closest to the runners think (part four) VINTAGE STAR A lorra lorra people love the Grand National 3.25pm BST What those closest to the runners think (part three) LION NA BEARNAI Thomas Gibney, trainer "He handles all sorts of ground, but I'd more confident if there's a bit of cut in it.

He's a nice horse with a nice weight." PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE Paul Townend, jockey "He brings a touch of class, has a lovely racing weight and if he gets into a rhythm you never know." MONBEG DUDE Michael Scudamore, trainer "He's in the best shape we've ever had him, but this race more than any other is the one in which you need plenty of luck." BIG SHU Peter Maher, trainer "Good ground is not his business. Big Shu is always best on his third run of a season. I think he was a bit short at Cheltenham. He deserves a crack at this." BURTON PORT Jonjo O'Neill, trainer "Since Christmas he started to perk up a lot, he's working better and has done nothing but improve." OUR FATHER David Pipe, trainer "He stays well and deserves his chance in the National. The slower the ground the better." MOUNTAINOUS Richard Lee, trainer "The wetter the better.

We've given him plenty of time off and he's back bubbling away again." THE RAINBOW HUNTER Aidan Coleman, jockey "People might latch on to the fact he won the Sky Bet Chase, which is as good a trial as there is. He could be the forgotten horse." 3.22pm BST Big shout out for Whisper Whisper wore down At Fishers Cross to grind out victory in the Silver Cross Stayers' Hurdle. At Fishers Cross was the 11-8 favourite following a fine third in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham, with Nicky Henderson's Whisper a 4-1 shot, graduating from handicap company following success in the Coral Cup. At Fishers Cross and Zarkandar disputed the lead from flag-fall and while Zarkandar dropped away tamely in the straight, to his credit, the market leader stuck to his guns. However, Barry Geraghty was soon in his slipstream aboard Whisper, who set off bathed in sweat, and after a brief battle after the final flight, the Seven Barrows runner won the argument by a length.

At Fishers Cross was not disgraced given he jumped out to his right for much of the extended three-mile journey. Having looked likely to be tailed off at one stage, admirable grey Thousand Stars made late headway to pick up minor honours in third. Geraghty said: "He got himself into a bit of state beforehand and was over-hyped and over-revved and I thought for most of the way I had no chance, but he does stay. "At Fishers Cross is hard to pass and even when I did I thought I was in trouble again, but in fairness to my lad, and considering the state he was in, he didn't give up and stayed really well." PA 3.20pm BST What those closest to the runners think (part two) BALTHAZAR KING Fehily: the tough get going Chris Cook has been speaking to Noel Fehily, who has been in the wars: As Noel Fehily walked back from riding Zarkandar, I asked him about his fall in yesterday's Topham that meant he had to pass the doctor today before being allowed to ride. "I just got kicked all over, from head to toe. My elbow was my biggest worry," he said.

But you're fine today, I asked. "Well," he said and paused. "I'm getting through." 3.14pm BST Want a tip? Here's what those closes to the horses think of their chances in the National (part one): TIDAL BAY Paul Nicholls, trainer "His form off top weight in his last three handicaps has been very good. He is in good shape and I am looking forward to him running." LONG RUN Robert Waley-Cohen, owner "He's clearly deteriorated from the days when he beat Kauto Star and Denman but he's been handicapped accordingly." HUNT BALL Andrew Tinkler, jockey "There are question marks about if he will stay with the weight he has, but he's got lots of enthusiasm and has taken to the National-style fences at home." TRIOLO D'ALENE Sandy Orr, owner "Our gut feeling is that he will get the trip. He is not a soft-ground horse and that is why we did not run him after the Hennessy." ROCKY CREEK Andy Stewart, owner "You've got to have a touch of class to win a National these days and Rocky Creek certainly has that.

He stays and is a good jumper." QUITO DE LA ROQUE Colm Murphy, trainer "He's done everything we've asked of him at home. He's run well in Liverpool two times so that will hopefully be a positive." COLBERT STATION Ted Walsh, trainer "Last year he didn't run well, he never travelled and he jumped a bit erratic. Hopefully he'll take to it a bit better this year." WALKON Alan King, trainer "Walkon is unproven over the trip, but he seemed to enjoy the big fences when second to Triolo D'Alene in the Topham." Updated Start memorising your colours Chris Cook's right. Check the silks for the National ... This seems a good moment to learn the colours for the Grand National, if you have not done so already. It sounds like a geeky thing to do, and indeed it is, but it only takes 15 minutes of concentration and adds enormously to your involvement in the big race. It's a moment of nostalgia for me because it was a ritual for my late father and I over many years, quizzing each other at breakfast on National morning.

We first came here 30 years ago, before newspapers were able to print in colour and all you had to go on was a description of the jockey's silks. So, between mouthfuls of weetabix, I'd bark at him: "White with a red diamond and sleeves, white cap," and he'd say something daft like Fortina's Express when it should have been Tacroy. In those days, the actual silks would often look so different from what you'd imagined, it could feel like you were watching the wrong race as 40 horses steamed past you in a matter of seconds. But the papers are pretty good, these days, at printing colours that look almost exactly like the real thing. A bit of revision now will pay off at 4.15pm. You'll find yourself tutting as the commentator fails to identify the first faller. "Obviously, it was Colbert Station," you'll be saying. "I can't believe these people get paid." 2.45pm BST We're going down memory lane ...

2.42pm BST 1.57pm BST Nicholls v Henderson: heavyweights slug it out for trainers' title Chris Cook, our roving reporter at the track, has all the news after the first race In the winner's enclosure with Lac Fontana after today's first race, the trainer Paul Nicholls said: "We hit the crossbar a couple of times yesterday and you don't like getting beat, you like training winners. To win a Grade One is good as well." Nicholls is half a million pounds clear in the trainer's championship and the only realistic thing that could stop him winning when the season ends this month is a Grand National victory for his nearest rival, Nicky Henderson. The National is therefore an even bigger deal than normal for the Somerset man, who agreed that the easier fences have made the race even more open than before. "The fact the fences are a little bit easier makes it that much safer for everybody," he added. "It's got to be a good thing, whatever the result. It's still a great race." Nicholls runs Tidal Bay, Rocky Creek and Hawkes Point in the National.

Henderson has Long Run, Triolo D'Alene, Shakalakaboomboom and Hunt Ball. 1.51pm BST McCoy in top form this week McCoy in top form 1.47pm BST Great start for Tony McCoy to National day Lac Fontana benefited from a typically power-packed Tony McCoy ride to clinch the Pertemps Network Mersey Novices' Hurdle, the opening race on Crabbie's Grand National day at Aintree. The Paul Nicholls-trained five-year-old was the 9-2 favourite for the two-and-a-half-mile Grade One, stepping up in class and trip following a similarly determined display in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. With the champion jockey taking over in the saddle from the sidelined Daryl Jacob, Lac Fontana travelled powerfully but looked to have his work cut out when Splash Of Ginge committed at the top of the home straight. Dell' Arca and Wilde Blue Yonder were both in the mix, but it turned into a straight shootout after the final flight, with Lac Fontana eventually wearing down Splash Of Ginge to take the prize by a length and a half.

Nicholls said: "He stayed very well at Cheltenham so we thought we'd go two and a half miles on this ground. "He's tough. He made it hard for himself by missing the last two hurdles but he stayed on a little bit. "He could end up being a good staying hurdler looking at him, he stays really well. "It will be interesting next year." PA 1.43pm BST Rain likely to be minimal Chris Cook (he's not a weatherman but he knows someone who is) has the latest It's a cool day at Aintree but at least it was dry by the time most of the crowd started to flow through the gates, a large proportion dressed in material that, while bright, colourful, entertaining and imaginative, would principally be described as flimsy. There has been rain this morning but one official here told me that the total volume would count as "minimal". It was dry overnight and the going on the Grand National course remains good to soft, good in places. My coat had the rare privilege this morning of being walked around the National course on the shoulders of Marcus Armytage, who won the big race in 1990 aboard Mr Frisk.

Armytage was an amateur at the time and received no prize money, which presumably explains why he could not afford his own coat. Since Armytage is now a hack with the Daily Telegraph, this is perhaps the first recorded example of the Guardian subsidising the Dreadnought. Anyway, he tells me that, in his view, the going is essentially good on the National course, which maximises the chance of Double Seven, Tony McCoy's mount in the big race. Double Seven is now 14-1, just two points bigger than the current National favourite Teaforthree. Since McCoy has just won the opening race, I can easily imagine support for Double Seven building to the point where he becomes clear favourite for the big race by 4.15pm. 1.42pm BST 1.30 Pertemps Network Mersey Novice Hurdle 1 Lac Fontana (A P McCoy) 9-2 Fav 2 Splash of Ginge (Sam Twiston-Davies) 12-1 3 Dell' Arca (T Scudamore) 13-2 1.29pm BST The Dude is not cool The Dude is not cool . . .

12.44pm BST Your latest going update (did somebody say it was going to rain?) Latest going news for the horses and punters 12.35pm BST Channel 4 viewing figures still on slide Chris Cook is at trackside today and has sent this update on Channel 4 Racing... Day two of the Grand National meeting brought further disappointing viewing figures for Channel 4's coverage, the average audience for Friday's broadcast being 643,000, down by 17% on the equivalent figure for 2013. That follows a 19% drop in the average audience for Thursday's programme. Reduced audiences have become regular news since Channel 4 obtained sole terrestrial rights to horse racing at the start of 2013 and the figures are now under more or less constant scrutiny from rights-holders. While they have been reluctant to interfere to this point, there would be real anxiety if the peak audience figure for the Grand National itself were to fall much below last year's 8.9m.

Friday's average was down from 779,000 in 2013, which itself was well down on 868,000 in 2012, the final year of the BBC's coverage from Aintree. However, a Channel 4 spokeswoman pointed to that fact that the average audience share remained the same as for 2013, indicating a smaller number of people watching television at the time of the broadcast. However, there was further bad news in the 158,000 who tuned in to watch Channel 4's preview show, The Morning Line, on Friday. That was down 19% from 194,000 in 2013. 12.32pm BST A football/racing funny (?) while you're waiting ... Chris Hewitt is good value on the BBC Film2014 programme when it appears (which is all too rare). He's reminded us of this 12.28pm BST 12.25pm BST Looking to follow the best-backed nags in the National . . .

Independent odds comparison site easyodds.com have highlighted the significant movements in the betting market over the last 48 hours. Rocky Creek and The Package have both shortened to best price 18/1 from 25/1 and 22/1 respectively while Tidal Bay and Monbeg Dude have gone in the other direction. Tidal Bay is out to 20-1 from 16s whilst Monbeg Dude has moved from 14-1 on Thursday out to a current best price 18-1.

Price shifts of the current top five favourites through easyodds.com : Jan 1st Teaforthree 20-1 Today 12-1 Jan 1st Double Seven 66-1 Today 14-1 Jan 1st Long Run 25-1 Today 16-1 Jan 1st The Package 33-1 Today 18-1 Jan 1st Monbeg Dude 28-1 Today 18-1 12.16pm BST 11.57am BST Katie Walsh booked for ride in Grand National Katie Walsh has come in for a chance mount on Vesper Bell in this afternoon's Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree, earning her another chance to be come the first woman to ride the winner of the world's greatest race. The Willie Mullins-trained runner was due to be ridden by Mikey Fogarty, but he was ruled out after sustaining a back injury in a fall at the track on Friday in the Topham Chase. She told Channel 4's The Morning Line: "I'm looking forward to it, it's great to be part of it.

He's run well around Punchestown a couple of times, he's a big, scopey horse who stays well and I'm looking forward to the ride." Updated 11.53am BST Tinkler and Fehily passed fit to ride in Grand National Andrew Tinkler has been passed fit to ride Hunt Ball and Noel Fehily given the go-ahead for Rocky Creek in this afternoon's Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree. Tinkler hurt his wrist when he came off Tanks For That at the 12th fence in the Topham Trophy on Friday, but has been passed by the racecourse doctor. The British Horseracing Authority tweeted: "Andrew Tinkler passed fit to ride Hunt Ball in the Grand National." Noel Fehily and Paul Carberry were also hurt after spills in what was an eventful race. Carberry was taken to hospital for precautionary X-rays that were eventually clear while Fehily was stood down for the remainder of the afternoon. The BHA has now confirmed Fehily is also cleared to ride today, although Carberry is yet to be assessed.

11.47am BST The greatest show on turf Hello and welcome to the greatest day of the racing year bar none. It's the Grand National, the event that transcends the sport. Everyone has their own idea of what is going to win and most people will have a wager on this one day. Personally, I loved the days before chief handicapper Phil Smith became "The Tinkerman", started fiddling with the weights and we started to get 100-1 winners again. It's not such a hot betting medium for me these days but I could not resist taking some of the 33-1 about Teaforthree when the weights came out in February! There will be plenty more, and probably much more sage advice, here in the build-up to today's first race at Aintree at 1.30 with the big race set to go off at 4.15. Stay with us here for all the latest news, opinion and best bets as we bring you the Grand National, the only Thoroughbred contest that actually merits the tag 'greatest race in the world'. 3.57pm BST Tony will be here shortly.

In the meantime here's Chris Cook's guide to the best bets in today's TV races at Aintree … Grand National Big Shu (4.15) This nine-year-old just keeps on keeping on. Few horses could shoulder 12st 3lb through the mud at Punchestown to win a four-mile race, as he did last spring, and he has shown a similar relentless quality in two appearances at the Cheltenham Festival. Punters have started to latch on to him in the past week but there is a tendency among fans of jump racing to wrinkle their noses at horses such as Big Shu, who generally ply their trade in cross-country races. These are not seen as "real" steeplechases and extreme snobs have been known to use the word "joke" to describe them. But it would be a mistake to dismiss the quality of the race in which Big Shu was third at last month's Cheltenham Festival. On what was probably the fastest surface he has encountered, he was beaten only by horses who had their ideal conditions that day, one of which carried a stone less.

His trainer, Peter Maher, an entertaining interviewee for Clare Balding if the occasion should arise, feels his horse was "not 100%" at Cheltenham, having been sick the month before. "I thought he travelled really well, but just got stuck in fourth gear without going up into fifth. I've never had him better than he is now," Maher said here on Friday. Big Shu would be the first Irish-trained National winner for seven years, the last one being Silver Birch, who also warmed up in Cheltenham's cross-country race. There has been some discussion in recent weeks about this year's raiding party being on the weak side but, while it may lack an obvious favourite, there are several fascinating contenders from Ireland. Lion Na Bearnai, the Irish National winner two years ago, has been widely written off on the basis of two poor runs in Britain last season but his trainer explained this week that a virus afflicted his yard for most of that winter. Now 12, Lion Na Bearnai won again in February and it is not beyond him to reach a place.

Double Seven, the choice of Tony McCoy, should have no excuses, given that there has been little of the rain this week that might have scuppered his chance. He still has scope to improve and appears likely to stay but has a bit more to prove on that score than some of his rivals. Betting lists are headed by two British runners with no question marks about their stamina. Teaforthree ran a fine race when third last year and gets in on a slightly better weight, despite having held his form. Still, his strike rate is suspiciously poor; National favourites should ideally not be winless for two years. Monbeg Dude will be hard to resist if he is on the heels of the leaders with two to jump but the question is whether he will be able to stay within hailing distance of them to that point. He can still make mistakes and, while these fences may not bring him down, they can easily slow him down. The Package makes more appeal and is an each-way option at 25-1. He was quite a bit shorter for this race four years ago, when unseating at the 19th. These softer fences should be fine and he wears cheekpieces for the first time to sharpen him up.

Pineau De Re is another to consider for the places, having been revived by Dr Richard Newland, who became his trainer last summer. He is in the form of his life, judged on his latest two outings, and should also be running on into the argument if he has not met trouble in running. Luck, however, is still going to be a necessary quality for most National winners, even though we can expect fewer fallers than formerly. A strong pace is likely from the classy types who line up these days and any runner who loses his pitch, perhaps through a single awkward jump or a bump from a rival, may struggle to make up the ground. Tidal Bay must be one of the highest quality runners there has been in this race's 175 years. He has become enormously popular since his late-career revival with Paul Nicholls and there will be many pairs of eyes seeking him out when the tape goes up. The patience of those watching is likely to be tested because he is a confirmed hold-up horse and the fear must be that, at 13, with top weight and on a drying surface, it is too much to ask that he can reel in everything in front of him.

Big Shu has a stone less to carry and may be able to make it tell. 1.30 Nicky Henderson has won this twice in three years and his pair demand respect here after the trainer's productive day on Friday. But Dell' Arca ran a fine race for a novice in the County Hurdle at last month's Festival and has more to offer. 2.05 Brought down in the Champion Chase when travelling well, Hinterland can get compensation now that he returns to novice company. Balder Succes is likable but could be short of pace here. 2.50 It has been a disappointing winter for At Fishers Cross but there was not much wrong with his third place behind two serious talents in the World Hurdle. He won at this meeting last year. 3.25 Apart from his Grand National ninth last year, Saint Are has an excellent record at Aintree and is now 8lb below the mark from which he won this in 2012, beating a rival course specialist. Stamina is all in the new , the importance of jumping ability having been dramatically reduced when the stuffing was taken out of the famous green fences before last year's race.

Horses with proven ability to stay four miles came to the fore that day and may do so again on Saturday, in which case the Irish raider should be a danger to all at generous odds of 22-1. Updated

Question: Which horse won this year's (2007) Grand National?
Answer: SILVER BIRCH